Though actually the emergency shelter idea above seems better - as once the occupant is lying down, the camper can't be moved - I think the ease of moving the camper kart would encourage some antisocial behaviour.

Have you ever tried to design a homeless shelter for one. It's actually quite challenging.

Mike...

A big problem the homeless face is security. You often see them sleeping during the day, and figure they are lazy. But sleeping at night is too dangerous. So, they stay awake at night, and sleep in crowded public places during the day.

Someplace safe to sleep at night would be a step in the right direction.

My original thought about the shelter at the top of the page is that it could be used for overflow shelter at churches, etc. Most church parking lots are pretty empty at night and most would have a small area for storage of such units by day. Because of its shape, it could be stored in the 'up' position, with a smaller ground footprint. Since they are wood, they would be safer and slightly warmer than the canvas one subsequently displayed. You can cut through canvas a lot easier than you can wood. I would think they would also be more stable to sleep in than a shopping cart. It might be possible to further lower the cost of the units by making just one wheeled frame, sort of like a dolly, to wheel several units into place, one by one.

Many (not all) homeless prefer to be outside as much as possible, except in bad weather. Wintertime is the worst for homeless because of the low temperatures and rain/snow. Homeless are sometimes turned away in the winter because all the beds are full. As the recession has deepened, more people are sharing households but also, more are on the streets. Therefore, more may be turned away at the local shelters this winter and in future years. Nighttime is the worst for homeless, not only because of the weather and some of the homeless people's lack of morals but also because of the new "fun" pastime that some young people have adapted: beating up homeless individuals on a lark. It's sad. Not all homeless are bad or shiftless. Some are just down on their luck.

For what it's worth, I think that this design actually has more going for it, and is much more practical. With the adaptation of some bicycle wheels & tires in the rear and some more substantial pneumatic tires in the front, you could still use it as a trailer, and it would be more easily maneuverable in the push-cart arrangement.

The design could also be more easily adaptable to the overflow shelter situation Sharon suggested, as it has the potential for being stacked for daytime storage.

I was homeless for a short time in 1982, and I would have welcomed something like this ... would have given me a lot more sense of independence, not to mention the security over a tent.

CHEERS!

Grant

Celebrating Retirement after over 32 Years of Building, Promoting, Supporting, Supplying, Living the Lifestyle, and Loving Teardrop Trailers!"Life Moves a Little Slower When You're On Teardrop Time"The nature of Life, itself, is change ... "Those who matter, don't mind, and those who mind, don't matter."

For what it's worth, I think that this design actually has more going for it, and is much more practical. With the adaptation of some bicycle wheels & tires in the rear and some more substantial pneumatic tires in the front, you could still use it as a trailer, and it would be more easily maneuverable in the push-cart arrangement.

You may be right, Grant. Plus, for portability in a church parking lot, all one might need is a single hand truck to slide the unit onto. Then, you wouldn't even need the bicycle wheels. I do think I'd be one to seal the wood inside and out, though. Better yet, make it out of fiberglass, like a bathroom stall so it could be easily hosed out. Some homeless don't control their bladders.

That unit's size and shape reminds me of some of the bed units rented in Japan.

This was an entry in a design competition for an urban cycle for the homeless . The front section is detachable to be an independent unit . The front wheel for the bicycle is stored like a continental kit on the back until needed . The front section holds a tent and two large recycling bins for can collecting . The nose section comes off and fits over a steam or sewer grate to circulate hot air around the tent for colder nights . ...... D.J.

I can already envision some serious teardrop-style re-design about to happen on this one! Now ... to find a donor bicycle ... ...!

CHEERS!

Grant

Celebrating Retirement after over 32 Years of Building, Promoting, Supporting, Supplying, Living the Lifestyle, and Loving Teardrop Trailers!"Life Moves a Little Slower When You're On Teardrop Time"The nature of Life, itself, is change ... "Those who matter, don't mind, and those who mind, don't matter."